We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Salomé Jartoux a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Salomé, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

My journey into photography began as a form of self-expression and a way to capture the beauty and complexity of the world around me. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and the power of imagery to share emotion and create thoughts. Inspiration for my work often comes from my travels, interactions with people, complexity of human experiences, and the natural landscapes that surround me.

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on was my series in Cambodia focusing on the lives of everyday people. These projects allowed me to delve deep into the complexities of Cambodian life and culture, and to shed light on the beauty, resilience, and humanity of the people I encountered. It was a deeply personal journey that reinforced my belief in the power of photography to bridge cultural divides, foster empathy, and celebrate the universal human experience.

Perhaps the most captivating aspect of photography in Cambodia is the people themselves. Warm, welcoming, and endlessly hospitable, Cambodians possess a natural grace and resilience that shines through in every photograph. Whether posing for portraits or going about their daily routines, Cambodians have an innate ability to infuse even the simplest moments with beauty and dignity.

For photographers, the opportunity to capture the spirit of Cambodia is both a privilege and a responsibility. It is a chance to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, celebrate its natural beauty, and shed light on the lives of its people. Each photograph is not just an image frozen in time but a window into the soul of Cambodia, inviting viewers to explore, empathize, and connect with this vibrant and dynamic country.

Paris is also a constant source of inspiration for me. Its streets, people, and architecture serve as the backdrop for my photographic explorations. I used to do very instinctive and spontaneous photoshoots with friends or strangers in the streets, walking all afternoon with many stops in cafés, supermarkets, parks, and the whole thing was shot with my analog camera and (many) films. For me, the act of taking a picture is like writing a poem. It comes from our innerworld, and is consequently very far away from advertisement. I really like this quote from French writer Marguerite Duras : “Sometimes I realize that if writing isn’t all things, all contraries confounded, a quest for vanity and void, it’s nothing. That if it’s not, each time, all things confounded into one through some inexpressible essence, then writing is nothing but advertisement.” This is about writing, but it can relate to photography as well.

Whether it’s in France or in Asia, building a connection with my subjects is essential to my creative process. I strive to create a comfortable and relaxed environment where individuals feel free to express themselves authentically. Whether I’m photographing friends, acquaintances, or strangers, I approach each encounter with empathy, curiosity, and a genuine desire to capture their unique essence and story.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a French photographer living between Paris, France – and Kampot, Cambodia. I have worked mostly for fashion brands such as American Apparel, By Zoé, Tammy & Benjamin and Arty Dandy among others, and also Parisian modeling agencies. My work is featured on Vogue Italia’s digital platform PhotoVogue.
Travels and encounters have mostly shaped my work, whose motto is to capture the spontaneity of the moment in each photo.
I am not looking for an aesthetic and smooth “perfection”, but I am rather in a quest for depth and naturalness, for intimacy, my work reflects the realism of raw things and moments. My inspirations are plural: photographers such as Nan Goldin, Stephen Shore, Ed Van Der Elsken, and film directors like Eric Rohmer, Jean Eustache, Claire Denis, Louis Malle …
My goal is to create images from what moves me : words, sensations, atmospheres and intimate feelings.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely. My goal and mission in my creative journey with photography is to capture and share the beauty, diversity, and complexity of the world around us. Through photography and storytelling, my goal is to give emotions, create thought, and inspire others to see the world in new and meaningful ways. I strive to shed light on untold stories, amplify marginalized voices, and foster empathy and understanding across cultures and communities. Ultimately, my mission is to use my creativity as a tool for connection and exploration.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to channel my imagination and emotions into tangible forms of expression. Creating art allows me to explore my innermost thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a way that transcends words alone. It’s a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and self-expression that enables me to connect with others on a profound level.

But perhaps the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the opportunity to touch the lives of others. Art has the power to evoke emotions, spark inspiration, and provoke introspection in ways that can be transformative for both the creator and the audience. Knowing that my work has the potential to resonate with someone else, to evoke a smile, a tear, or a moment of reflection, is immensely fulfilling and drives me to continue pursuing my passion for photography.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vogue.com/photovogue/photographers/206266
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salomejartoux/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salome-jx/